Great news for Pooram fans as the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi Devaswom Boards have announced that the Thrissur Pooram will take place under Covid-19 norms this year. The Boards informed that those taking part in the Pooram this year must undergo an RT-PCR test and carry a Covid-19 negative certificate issued within 72 hours.
“People carrying the certificates will be allowed to enter the Pooram grounds after the police and health officials perform thorough checks,” Devaswom board members said. They added that admission for those above 45 years is limited. Those above 45 years must carry either a Covid-19 negative certificate or vaccination certificate. Children below 10 years will not be allowed to enter the Pooram.
The Devaswom Boards informed that they will consult with the police regarding crowd control measures. “There will be checkpoints on all 19 roads leading to the city. All important roads will be closed when the Thrissur Pooram commences,” the Devaswom Boards said.
The Devaswom Boards and the state administration have held discussions on going forward with the Thrissur Pooram. A few months back, Kerala began seeing a drop in Covid-19 cases. However, since the Kerala Assembly elections polling, the Covid-19 cases are rising at an alarming rate. This sudden rise has experts worried. Many health officials, including the District Medical Officer (DMO), were against the idea of conducting the Thrissur Pooram.
DMO KJ Reena has asked the administration to reconsider its decision of conducting the Pooram. She warned that if there is no proper crowds control, the whole thing could turn into a disaster. Nearly 20,000 people could be infected and 10% of death could occur. However, Minister VS Sunilkumar informed that the festival would be conducted following Covid-19 protocols.
Even Kerala Health Ministry KK Shailaja expressed concern over conducting the Pooram. It is dangerous to have crowds during Thrissur Pooram. The Devaswom board should decide on the Thirussur Pooram through talks. They should consider whether they can hold the Pooram like how the Attukal Pongala was conducted,” Shailaja told a leading Malayalam news channel.
